Stephentown Volunteer Fire Department

General information

In Stephentown, prior to July, 1939,consisted of carting 3-gallons hand tanks and
buckets of water from the nearest water supply to the fire.

Town Boards petitioned to form a Fire District.

Town Board formed Fire District and appointed Fire Commissioners.

Purchased first fire truck, a 1939 Chevrolet Sanford Gear Pumper (E45).

Vanderbilt house and horse barn purchased as a meeting hall and truck garage.

Stephentown Fire Department accepted in to the New York State Fireman's Association.

Stephentown Fire Department received papers of Incorporation .

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On April 3, 1939, a petition was presented to the Town Board asking that a Fire District be formed in the
Town of Stephentown.

On April 19, 1939, a special meeting of the Town Board was called at 9:30 A.M. and a date of May 4, 1939,
was set to have a public hearing on the petition.
The Board formed the Fire District and appointed the board of Fire Commissioners as follows:

Walter C. Sykes

Calvin H. Atwater

Edwin B. Wheeler

Joseph Kenyon

Harvey Pease

Appointed as Treasurer for the Commissioners was Henry Rose, and Stephen Mattison was appointed Secretary.
On May 16 the fire department was formed with the first meeting held on July 31, 1939.

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THE FIREMAN'S PRAYER

When I am called to duty, God

Wherever flames may rage,

Give me strength to save some life

Whatever be its age.

Help me embrace a little child

Before it is too late

Or save an older person from

The horror of that fate.

Enable me to be alert to the weakest shout,

And quickly and efficiently

To put the fire out.

I want to fill my calling and

To give the best in me.

To guard my every neighbor and

Protect his property.

And if according to my fate

I am to lose my life

Please bless with your protecting hand

My family and my wife.